Clindamycin

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Cleocin

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of CLEOCIN (clindamycin) HCl and other antibacterial drugs, CLEOCIN (clindamycin) HCl should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with
use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including CLEOCIN (clindamycin) HCL and may range
in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial
agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C.difficle.

Because CLEOCIN (clindamycin) HCL therapy has been associated with severe colitis which may
end fatally, it should be reserved for serious infections where less toxic antimicrobial
agents are inappropriate, as described in the INDICATIONS section. It
should not be used in patients with nonbacterial infections such as most upper
respiratory tract infections.

C.difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development
of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased
morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial
therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who
present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary
since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration
of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against
C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte
management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile,
and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Clindamycin hydrochloride is the hydrated hydrochloride salt of clindamycin. Clindamycin is a semisynthetic antibiotic produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent compound lincomycin.

What are the precautions when taking clindamycin (Cleocin)?

Before taking clindamycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to lincomycin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.